Vodafone and Spirent speed up widespread deployment of 5G voice core network software

Vodafone can now more easily check and quickly deploy 5G software for its pan-European core voice network using a new automated testing platform jointly developed with Spirent Communications. As a result, software releases from multiple vendors can be checked and deployed in days, not months.

This development follows Vodafone’s selection of Spirent Communications (now part of Keysight Technologies), a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, as its partner.

By automating the testing and deployment of new software features from multiple equipment vendors, Vodafone can enhance its core voice network and deliver services to customers more quickly while maintaining quality and addressing any bugs beforehand. This approach also means Vodafone is well prepared to take advantage of the increasing number of software releases anticipated with the rollout of cloud-native 5G Standalone core technology, which the company is deploying across Europe. As networks become more programmable, automated testing is a key strategy for maintaining resilience.

Following the initial implementation of the new testing platform, Vodafone has seen a 75% reduction in the time required to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure—decreasing from months to days. This infrastructure includes nearly 160 nodes and supports services such as cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. A more agile and responsive testing environment also allows Vodafone to adapt quickly to regulatory and compliance changes.

Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions, Vodafone, said: “Cloud-based core 5G standalone networks are highly programmable and responsive engines driving new features like network slicing. However, these advancements introduce added complexity. Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale.”

Dougie Rankin, Vice President, International Sales, Spirent, added: “Vodafone recognised the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated. By working with Spirent to fully automate its testing capabilities, Vodafone is now able to accelerate delivery of new network products, version upgrades and features to its customers, while ensuring strict compliance and benefitting from efficiency gains.”

Working closely with Vodafone, Spirent developed an automated testing platform for use throughout Vodafone’s lab-to-live lifecycle process. By incorporating uninterrupted testing into Vodafone’s operations, which includes continuous integration (sharing code and automating its build and test) and continuous deployment (preparing code for use), Vodafone can release software faster and more reliably. The new platform is part of Vodafone's drive to automate the deployment of new software releases, which are now implemented every three months by vendors across all markets.